Why does 2 Kings 8:26 say Ahaziah began to reign at 22 but 2 Chronicles 22:2 says he was 42?

Why does 2 Kings 8:26" TARGET="_blank">2 Kings 8:26 say Ahaziah began to reign at 22 but 2 Chronicles 22:2" TARGET="_blank">2 Chronicles 22:2 says he was 42?

Commentators attempt to explain this in at least half a dozen ways (see John Gill’s "Expositor"). Here are two of the better suggestions.

1. The 42 years are an ironic connection with the house of Ahab. Omri, Ahab’s father, began his dynasty in Israel about 42 years before Ahaziah was 22 (1 Kings 16:23; 15:10; 22:42;" TARGET="_blank">1 Kings 16:23; 15:10; 22:42; 2 Kings 8:17)." TARGET="_blank">2 Kings 8:17). The four sentences that follow the statement that Ahaziah was 42 (literally, "a son of 42 years") all link Judah’s King Ahaziah with Israel’s wicked house of Ahab. "Also," used twice, shows Ahaziah’s similarity to Ahab’s wickedness (2 Chronicles 22:2-5)." TARGET="_blank">2 Chronicles 22:2-5). The 42 years then make a powerful statement that the character of Ahaziah embodied the wickedness of those 42 years in Israel. However, the expression, "a son of 42 years," is nowhere else used in this way.

2. 42 is a copyist’s error and should be 22. Commentators, while upholding the inerrancy of Scripture, generally support this view. The difference between the two numbers is a difference between two similar Hebrew characters. 22 appears in some very old manuscripts of the Septuagint, Arabic, and Syraic Scriptures. In fairness, these postdate the Hebrew manuscripts and the absence of 22 in predated Hebrew manuscripts provides no evidence of an error by the scribes renowned for accuracy in copying the Scriptures. This explanation relies on an unsupported supposition.

If forced to choose, I prefer the first.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

How can I overcome being nervous about talking about the Bible?

How can I overcome being nervous about witnessing?

Unfortunately, many face nervousness when seeking to witness for the Lord. Feelings of inadequacy, a lack of Bible knowledge, and the fear of man can hinder some from sharing the gospel in a calm and collected manner.

Keeping three things in mind helps overcome this difficulty: 1. All without Christ are lost and in danger of perishing eternally; therefore view people with compassion as did the Lord, seeing them as sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36); 2." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 9:36); 2. Interest individuals in God's Word and make the Bible the basis of your beliefs and discussion (1 Peter 3:15); 3." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 3:15); 3. Rely on the Holy Spirit to work through you as you share the greatest message in the world (Acts 1:8)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 1:8).

The Scriptures illustrate many interesting ways to initiate conversations about spiritual things. The Lord spoke about the new birth after Nicodemus opened the door by mentioning miracles (John 3)." TARGET="_blank">John 3). In the next chapter with the woman at the well, the Lord used the subject of water to lead into a conversation about true satisfaction.

Be constantly alert for openings to speak for Christ and do it in His strength (Philippians 4:13)." TARGET="_blank">Philippians 4:13).

B. Funston

Other pages in this section

About this site

What is the meaning of "one flesh"?

What is the meaning of "one flesh"?

This was God’s intention at the institution of marriage (Genesis 2:24)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:24). It expresses the oneness of a married couple. In this seminal statement, the Lord points out that a man leaves his role of obedience to his parents (although still responsible to honor them, Exo 20:12) to assume headship of a new and distinct relationship. At marriage a new family unit exists that had never existed before. This newly-formed oneness, involves a physical union, the culmination of marriage, but it involves more than that. Four of the five New Testament passages that refer to "one flesh" (Matthew 19:5, 6;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 19:5, 6; Mark 10:8;" TARGET="_blank">Mark 10:8; Ephesians 5:31)," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:31), quote the original statement and are passages that teach about marriage. The fifth (1 Corinthians 6:16)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:16) is part of Paul’s teaching about fornication (v 18). He states that one who "is joined to an harlot" is "one body." Then he cites the Lord’s original intention (Genesis 2:24)" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:24) regarding "one flesh." The promiscuous relationship with a harlot is a physical union, but not the physical union God intended in marriage. "One body" does not include the intended intimacy and oneness of a unique relationship within marriage. "One body" is merely an external relationship. "One flesh" is both physical and relational, expressing the inseparable closeness of Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31, 32)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:31, 32). This can never be expressed outside marriage.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

I want to choose a career that pleases God. What should I do?

What guidelines can you give a young believer in selecting a career?

The Cretan’s poet described them as "lazy gluttons" (JND, "slow bellies," AV) in Titus 1:12." TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:12. Christian teaching directed them to "maintain good works for necessary uses" (3:14) Weymouth Translates this, "to set a good example in following honest occupations for the supply of their necessities." Paul wanted the Thessalonian believers "to work with your own hands.., that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing" (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12)." TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12). Money is not the first consideration. These passages suggest some leading questions in deciding on a career.

1. Will this help my testimony?
2. Is this consistent with Christian ethics?
3. Is it honorable work (not a means to hastily acquired wealth, Proverbs 23:5)" TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 23:5)?
4. Does this career serve a necessary purpose for others?
5. Will it enable me to be financially responsible?

These questions filter through the many options and point to a broad field of choices.

The possibilities further narrow with more personal concerns.

1. Is this career a suitable use of my God-given abilities?
2. Will this allow me time for the most important priorities in my life (spiritual priorities, first)?
3. Will it limit my consistent participation in assembly life?
4. Will this enable me to win souls?
5. Do I know enough about this career to choose wisely?
6. Is this a reasonable fit with my personality?

The paramount concern is to know and do the will of God. All of these considerations are helpful only in the degree to which the believer undergirds his entire life with the sincere desire, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:6)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 9:6).

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

What is Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is the French translation of “Fat Tuesday”. Those who know Spanish can see the resemblance in Martes (Tuesday) and grasa (fat). Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras occurs the day immediately preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. In mid February, the pagans in the Roman empire celebrated the Lupercalia, a circus-like festival. Like other holidays, the Roman Catholic religion decided to adopt the practices of the pagans rather than offend the newly "Christianized" masses.

Mardi Gras is celebrated for a few weeks, depending on the location in the world, in a festival called Carnival. Unbridled partying, drunkenness, sex and debauchery are the features of this festival. Freqently Carnival is celebrated in Central America, South America and Southern Europe where Catholic traditions are strong. New Orleans is the largest and most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. Elaborate costumes and barely clothed women are common in Mardi Gras parades.

Since the Catholic teaching of Lent stipulates that the faithful refrain from sinful practices, fast and pray during the 40 days of Lent, Mardi Gras has been a tradition for centuries to have a huge party just before the days of Lent. Think of it as one last binge before giving something up for 40 days.

There is either a serious misunderstanding or ignorance of God’s word in the combination of Mardi Gras and Lent. The Bible says that Christians should avoid willful sin and uncontrolled behavior all of the year, not just during Lent or Holy Week.

“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:13-14" TARGET="_blank">Romans 13:13-14

When is Fat Tuesday?
March 8, 2011
February 21, 2012
February 12, 2013
March 4, 2014
February 17, 2015

Other pages in this section

About this site

Do differences in the manuscripts mean that our Bible is not totally reliable?

Do differences in the manuscripts mean that our Bible is not totally reliable?

The Lord in His wisdom did not preserve to us the original autographs of the Scriptures. Our translations have come from manuscripts formed from documents which may be many copies removed from the originals. These documents have been found in many places and in varying conditions. Finding them, evaluating their authenticity, and assessing their accuracy is a complex science. There are some variations in the manuscripts. W.E. Vine quotes men considered experts in the text saying that the variations are "formed in great part by changes of order and other comparative trivialities." Further, these men tell us "the amount of what can in any sense be called substantial variation . . . can hardly form more than a thousandth part of the entire text." Mr. Vine concludes, as do others, "There is no doctrine in Scripture which would be affected if all the various readings were allowed or if all the disputed words, or those about which there is any doubt, were omitted." (W. E. Vine, "The Divine Inspiration of the Bible, Ritchies’ Christian Book Service, pp. 27, 28.)

Our Lord asserts the exact inspiration of the original words (Matthew 22:29-32;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:29-32; John 10:35)." TARGET="_blank">John 10:35). Their precise truth has been divinely preserved (Psalm 119:89; 117:2;" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 119:89; 117:2; 1 Peter 1:25)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 1:25). We build safely on the reliability of God’s immutable Word (Matthew 7:24-25)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 7:24-25).

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Do we pray to the Holy Spirit or only to God the Father?

Do we pray to the Spirit or ask for the Spirit of God?

The Lord Jesus taught the disciples to pray to the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus (John 16:23)." TARGET="_blank">John 16:23). In the epistles we learn that we should pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:18), who helps us to pray intelligently and makes intercession for us (Romans 8:26, 27)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:26, 27). Before Pentecost, the Spirit came upon people temporarily to empower them for some special service. From the day of Pentecost onward, the Spirit came to indwell and seal each believer at the moment of conversion (Ephesians 1:13," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:13, "upon believing"). We are never told in the epistles to pray for the Spirit, be cause He already indwells, us. We are told to be filled with the Spirit in order to serve God, and to walk in the Spirit in order to please God and not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16)." TARGET="_blank">Galatians 5:16).

A. Joyce

Other pages in this section

About this site

How can we apply Matthew 18 to interpersonal problems?

How can we apply the teaching in this passage to interpersonal problems?

Some principles from this passage apply to resolving an interpersonal problem. However, because all Scripture is "God-breathed" (2 Tim 3:16)," TARGET="_blank">2 Tim 3:16), the application of this passage must be in harmony with the truth in all the Scriptures (Psa 119:160).

If this passage teaches us how to pursue the redress of wrongs against us, it stands alone in the New Testament. When a brother wrongs us, the Lord teaches us to convince him of his wrong (Luke 17:3, 4)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 17:3, 4). If he repents, we are to forgive, even when his expressed repentance seems questionable. Apart from that, the New Testament teaches us to be kind, forbearing, forgiving, and concerned toward those who wrong us (e.g.: Co 6:7)." TARGET="_blank">Co 6:7)." TARGET="_blank">1 Co 6:7)." TARGET="_blank">Co 6:7). In fact, the remainder of Matthew 18" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18 advocates unlimited forgiveness and shows how inconsistent it is for those whom God has forgiven to exact redress for wrongs others do to them.

In light of this, several limitations guard how these verses apply to resolving interpersonal disputes. First, the primary goal is gaining the brother. To use this passage to demand redress (v. 28) violates the clear statements of the Lord (vv. 22-35).

Maintaining these truths balances the application of this passage to interpersonal problems.Focus on the purpose: to gain your brother. Keep it private: "between thee and him alone." Many personal, family, and financial issues should never be repeated to the church. They will create factions among believers. If the matter does not affect the testimony of the assembly or clearly cross a moral boundary God has established, it is not an assembly issue. Perhaps the strongest limitation in applying this passage is that it presents a one-sided problem. Only one party has sinned. That is hardly ever (never?) the case in interpersonal problems; both have in some way contributed to the wrong. In the presence of the Light of the World, the Holy One to Whom nothing is hidden, he that is without sin in his relationship problems, let him cast the first stone at his erring brother.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Is the Lord present only in the meeting of the Lord's Supper?

Do you consider that there is a deeper significance in the presence of the Lord at His table on the first of the week than when the saints meet for prayer or a Bible reading?

Perhaps it is not quite clear what the questioner means by “a deeper significance.” The Lord’s words, “Where two or three are gathered together in (or unto) My Name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:20), apply primarily to the Prayer Meeting (v. 19). Perhaps the Lord’s presence is often more real to the saints at His table, because they are more occupied with Him there, than with their needs. Besides, there is often more real exercise of soul before going to the Lord’s table, than to the Prayer Meeting or Bible Reading. “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat.” We get what we go in for. But the prayer eeting and Bible Reading ought not to be neglected, as is too often the case, by the majority of the assembly, or treated lightly even sometimes by those who attend. Surely there would be a greater spirit of prayer poured out and more edification in the Bible Reading if all went in a spirit of soul preparation and waiting upon God.

W.H.

Other pages in this section

About this site

In what ways can elders help develop others

In what ways can elders help develop others’ gift in preaching the gospel?

God intends an assembly to be the garden where gift develops. Elders are responsible for this (1 Timothy 4:14)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 4:14). Sunday night gospel meetings are not the place to begin developing gospel gift. A healthy assembly will have a variety of scriptural gospel activities involving younger believers (1 Thessalonians 1:8)." TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 1:8).

One of the most important helps in preaching is personal witnessing. This teaches a person what truth to present and how to present it effectively. Helping in a Sunday School class or in children’s meetings by teaching children verses or telling a brief Bible story with a simple application is good training. Holding the attention of children during a lesson develops gift. Accompanying a trusted, experienced brother as he presents the gospel in a home visit is valuable. To reach into neighboring communities with the gospel, elders can encourage younger believers to help older workers (Acts 20:4)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 20:4) or to initiate children’s meetings or gospel meetings in rented buildings.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Main Menu